Media Release

For Immediate Release

November 9, 2006

SMU graduate students scoop big scholarships

Droves of students, faculty and staff at SMU attended this afternoon's event. Jennifer Crawford (right), a Master of Arts student in Atlantic Canada Studies, is this year's recipient of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Scholarship. The value of this award is $17,500. Jennifer is pictured here with her mother Joan.   From left to right: Paul Glenister (Saint Mary's '48), Dr. Don Naulls, Associate Dean of Arts, and Cliff O'Laughlin (Saint Mary's '45). Both Glenister and O'Laughlin are supporters of Saint Mary's and the scholarship program.   From left to right: Catherine Vardy, Promotion and Research Development, Atlantic Regional Office, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada, Dr. Patrice Audy, Manager, NSERC-Atlantic, Gina Funicelli, Industrial Liaison Officer at Saint Mary's, and Jennifer Pinks, Industrial Liaison Officer at Saint Mary's.   Jay Boutilier, MBA student in the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's, and Paul O'Hearn (BComm '82), President of the University's Alumni Association. Boutilier is the recipient of the Mahon's Stationery Limited Scholarship which is valued at $1,700.00.

Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary’s University and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research hosted a special ceremony and reception this afternoon to recognize students who have earned scholarships for the 2006-2007 academic year.

A large number of people, including scholarship recipients, attended today’s big event that was held in the Loyola Conference Hall.

The University currently offers over $3 million in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. For those wishing to view the list of recipients, please click on the following link: 2006-2007 Saint Mary’s Scholarship Recipients.

“Our event today brings together benefactors who have invested their time and resources in the University, and students who will someday write new chapters in the history of Saint Mary’s University,” said Dr. Dodds in his speech.

Dr. Dodds indicated that in order to achieve the vibrant, dynamic campus that so many people enjoy, the University has been assisted over the years by the Archdiocese; federal, provincial and municipal governments; foundations, in particular, the Patrick Power Estate, the Windsor Foundation, and the Sobey Foundation; community groups; faculty; staff; students; alumni; corporations and friends of Saint Mary’s. These contributions have sustained the University with new buildings, renovations, research support and scholarships. The scholarships have reinforced the University’s mission of accessibility as they have made the difference for many students to embark on and complete their dream of earning a degree.

“As the University continues to attract extremely qualified students and seeks new ways to ensure that Saint Mary’s remains accessible, scholarship support will be critical. For that reason, the University wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the individuals, corporations, and foundations that are investing in today’s and tomorrow’s students,” said Dr. Dodds.

Each year Dr. Dodds and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research host this annual event.

Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

-30-

For More Information:

Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca